CHARGERS: Rivers, Gates up for Madden cover

A pair of Chargers are in the bracket that will ultimately decide who graces the cover of the Madden 13 video game.

Quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates have been selected as contenders in an online, bracket style competition to be decided by online vote through EA Sports and ESPN's Sports Nation television program.

The "play-in" round pits Gates against Rivers for who will be the Chargers' representative. Then the 32 winners will represent their team moving forward and matchup against players from other teams. Rivers was involved in last year's competition, which was won by Cleveland's Peyton Hillis.

Fans can vote via twitter, facebook or at ESPN.com/maddenvote. Fans have until March 21 to cast their vote.